Engineers have a heck of a job on their hands developing any new model, but when it comes to an SUV, they've got to conduct testing both on the road and off. That's why, in preparation to launch the all-new Discovery Sport, the development team at Land Rover has built 181 prototypes that have already covered some 750,000 miles over all manner of terrain. The prototypes have waded through two feet of water, climbed up 40-degree inclines and down 45-degree grades and endured temperatures from -33 up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit.

With over 11,000 tests performed to date, the Discovery Sport is just about ready for its introduction, now confirmed to take place less than a month from now on September 3rd. That's when the new sport-ute will effectively take the place of the aging Freelander/LR2 in the growing Discovery family, complete with three-row seating and what promises to be go-anywhere capability like you'd expect of any Land Rover.

The vehicle is being developed out of a new partnership with Virgin Galactic, the engineers from both outfits exchanging tips and practices from their respective fields. Watch the videos below to learn more about the collaboration and testing process, scope out the details in the press release and view the latest photos of the prototypes undergoing testing (as well as a nifty infographic crunching the numbers from all that testing) in the gallery above.

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Land Rover and Virgin Galactic Provide Unique Insight Into Test and Development Programmes

- Partners Land Rover and Virgin Galactic make progress in the world of testing and development of new vehicles - on land and in space
- New Discovery Sport entering final development phase, with prototype fleets testing globally
- Land Rover is the first global partner of pioneering commercial spaceline Virgin Galactic

Global partners in adventure, innovation and exploration, Land Rover and Virgin Galactic, have opened the doors on the world of prototype testing and development. For the first time both brands compare the parallels and complexities behind the test and development of a new vehicle. Both Land Rover and Virgin Galactic have used their partnership to share values and experiences that have steered each brand to develop cutting edge technologies for both land and space.

The pioneering partnership, announced in April this year, has continued to make strides through Land Rover's continued development of the new Discovery Sport vehicle while Virgin Galactic moves closer to the launch of the world's first spaceline.

As the new Discovery Sport enters its final testing phase, Land Rover and Virgin Galactic, which continues its flight test and engineering programs ahead of the launch of its commercial spaceflight programme, are giving a glimpse of what goes into their test and development programmes.

Murray Dietsch, Programme Director, Land Rover, said: "There is a common philosophy towards engineering between Land Rover and our partners Virgin Galactic. We start with an idea and build from there, spending years refining a design and completing virtual testing before the first prototypes see the tarmac. As our partnership with Virgin Galactic develops, it will be fascinating to get closer to their team and explore common areas of engineering and expertise.

"Discovery Sport prototypes have covered approximately 750,000 miles during the testing phase, in some of the world's harshest and most challenging terrains and climates. A total of 181 prototype vehicles were built, completing over 11,000 tests over their lifetimes around the globe, ensuring total confidence in the robustness of build and design of the vehicles."

"As we look to launching the world's first spaceline, Virgin Galactic continues to push boundaries and develop pioneering new innovations that bring to life our vision," said George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic. "In engineering and design, like Land Rover, our focus is on precision, ingenuity, and unparalleled design."

Note to editors:

- Land Rover Discovery Sport prototypes have covered approximately 750k test miles during the testing and development phase for the vehicle
- The vehicle was tested to water depths of 600mm
- The vehicle was tested to temperatures of -36° to 42 °
- A total of 11,720 tests were carried out on the vehicle
- The car was tested to inclines of 40 degrees and declines of 45 degrees

Land Rover and Virgin Galactic Partnership

Land Rover and Virgin Galactic announced a global partnership in April 2014 against the backdrop of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, the world's first commercial passenger-carrying spacecraft, and Land Rover's new Discovery Vision Concept vehicle. The partnership demonstrates a shared vision of pioneering spirit, technological innovation and sense of adventure, and illustrates a desire to push the boundaries of travel for the next generation.

Land Rover and Virgin Galactic are working together to share engineering and design expertise for the benefit of research and development, potential future design collaborations, exclusive projects and dual brand immersive experiences for consumers. Both brands have a shared dedication to inspire the youth of today into engineering, science and technology careers that will continue to change how we define travel in the future.

For more information on the partnership please visit www.landrover.com

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